Charlotte Hornets @ Philadelphia 76ers
The Hornets (6-5) have been led well by Kemba Walker this season (averaging 28.1 points, 4.2 triples, 4.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists per game), but face a tough road assignment against the Sixers (7-5), who are undefeated at home this season.
Charlotte are coming off consecutive wins against Cleveland and Atlanta, but will find life much harder against Ben Simmons (14.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.5 assists) and MVP candidate Joel Embiid (27.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks).
Despite Philadelphia’s chemistry not being as sound this season, the Hornets will struggle to contain Embiid, who has broken down opposition defences.
Embiid’s strong play opens up opportunities for his teammates, and when Simmons and Dario Saric start to rediscover their scoring groove the Sixers will be a serious handful.
Charlotte play a deep rotation with a host of players that can shoot the three ball and a second unit directed by veteran Tony Parker, so Philadelphia’s defence will also be tested.
If both Simmons and Embiid bring their A-game, look out Hornets.
Tip: Philadelphia -5.5 @ $1.92.
Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat
The Pacers (7-5) travel to American Airlines Arena to face the Heat (5-5) in an enthralling contest between two of the East’s playoff contenders.
Indiana’s scoring has dried up this season, averaging 105.6 points, ranked 24th in the NBA. Victor Oladipo (24.1 points, 2.7 triples, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists) has been the Pacers’ only reliable scoring option, although Domantas Sabonis (14.1 points, 8.9 rebounds) has been a revelation.
While the Pacers are getting wins, Thaddeus Young, Myles Turner and Darren Collison aren’t playing close to the level they were last season.
And the visitors will have their hands full against double-double machine Hassan Whiteside, who is coming off a monster 29-point, 20 rebound, nine block performance against San Antonio and leads the NBA in swats (3.4).
Josh Richardson (20.7 points, 1.0 block, 1.1 steals) has emerged as an elite defender for Miami and will look to clamp Oladipo, while Goran Dragic (knee) is questionable to play.
Coming off a big win against the Spurs, the Heat should be too strong at home.
Tip: Miami to win @ $1.82
Boston Celtics @ Utah Jazz (ESPN)
Celtics (6-4) continue their road trip against Utah (5-6) and will be coming off a back-to-back set from Phoenix.
Boston are not playing at the same level as last season overall, but their defence (allowing 101.3 points per game) still ranks top three in the league
After a slow start, Kyrie Irving is starting to heat up, averaging 25.6 points and 5.3 three-point makes from his last thee games.
The Jazz have been in their own funk but are coming off a compelling win against the Mavs in Donovan Mitchell’s from an ankle injury, who torched Dallas with 23 points, three triples and seven assists
Rudy Gobert (16.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) has been a monster and will be a nightmare for the Celtics defensively.
Back-to-back road wins in the West may be too much to ask, even for Brad Stevens’ troops.
Tip: Utah -3.0 @ $1.87.
